If you are considering SPRAVATO® as part of your treatment plan, you likely have important questions about how it works, what to expect, and whether it may be right for you. Below, our team at Precise Mind answers some SPRAVATO® FAQs to help you make an informed decision about your mental health care.
Because SPRAVATO® differs from traditional antidepressants, patients often have specific questions about how it works and who it is for.
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray that can be used in combination with an oral antidepressant for adults with treatment-resistant depression or severe cases of major depressive disorder.
SPRAVATO® works differently from traditional antidepressants by targeting a different neural pathway. Typically, antidepressants target serotonin pathways, but SPRAVATO® targets NMDA receptors in the brain, which play a role in mood regulation and neural connectivity. This is why SPRAVATO® has the potential to offer results in patients who have not experienced relief with traditional antidepressants.
SPRAVATO® may be appropriate for individuals who have not experienced sufficient improvement after trying two or more antidepressant medications. It is typically recommended for adults diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression or severe major depressive disorder. A comprehensive evaluation with our providers at Precise Mind will determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your specific needs.
No, SPRAVATO® is not a pill or oral medication. It is a nasal spray.
Yes. SPRAVATO® can be prescribed in combination with an oral antidepressant. Our provider will review your current medications and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
For many individuals, SPRAVATO® treatments can work much faster than other treatments. Some patients report improvement in symptoms within days or weeks of beginning treatment. However, individual responses vary. Your provider will monitor your progress carefully and assess symptom changes throughout the course of therapy.
Patients also ask us about administration, side effects, frequency, and logistics.
SPRAVATO® is administered as a nasal spray in a certified medical office under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. After dosing, patients remain in the office for observation for two hours to ensure safety and comfort before leaving.
No, SPRAVATO® is not an everyday medication. For the first four weeks, you take SPRAVATO® twice a week. After that, the dosing frequency is once a week or once every two weeks, depending on your treatment plan.
SPRAVATO® treatment typically begins with an induction phase, during which sessions are scheduled twice weekly for four weeks. After that, frequency gradually decreases during the maintenance phase based on symptom improvement and provider recommendations to once a week or two weeks. Your schedule will be individualized according to your response, treatment needs, and treatment goals.
Yes. Because SPRAVATO® may cause temporary side effects such as dizziness, sedation, or changes in perception, patients must arrange transportation home after each SPRAVATO® treatment session. Driving is not permitted until the day after treatment and after a restful night of sleep.
Common side effects with SPRAVATO® may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, increased blood pressure, or dissociation (a temporary feeling of disconnection). These effects typically occur shortly after administration and resolve before leaving the office. Your provider will review all potential risks and monitor you during each session. You will also be monitored for two hours after your treatment.
Many insurance plans provide coverage for SPRAVATO® when specific medical criteria are met. Your coverage will vary depending on your provider and plan. Our team can help verify your benefits and discuss financial considerations before treatment begins.
While SPRAVATO® treatment itself must be administered in person under medical supervision, telemedicine appointments are available with our providers in all locations for evaluations, follow-up visits, and ongoing care coordination.
Advanced treatments such as SPRAVATO® are available at Precise Mind locations in Ridgeland and Flowood, and soon in Vicksburg. SPRAVATO® must be taken in the clinic under the supervision of one of our medical providers, but we also offer telemedicine appointments for our patients for evaluation and additional care.
If you still have questions after reviewing our Spravato FAQs, our team at Precise Mind is here to help. Schedule an appointment today.